Government of Canada making investments across British Columbia to refresh community spaces, attract new visitors, and stimulate local economies
July 19, 2022 - Nanoose Bay, British Columbia - Pacific Economic Development Canada
Safe and inclusive public spaces and dynamic tourism attractions are key to vibrant communities. They bring together people of all ages and abilities, supporting businesses and boosting economic vitality. Throughout Vancouver Island, communities are ready to welcome back residents and visitors to enjoy new and improved public spaces and tourism experiences.
Upgrading existing infrastructure and building new public assets will help municipalities across British Columbia provide better access to recreational programs and facilities, growing economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving community wellness.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $4.3 million through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for 13 projects, and $406,647 through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) for five projects, all located throughout central and northern Vancouver Island.
These investments will enable the upgrade of public spaces and enhancement of tourism experiences in many communities spanning from Ladysmith to Port Hardy. The Regional District of Nanaimo, host of today's announcement, received $500,000 in CCRF funding to improve Jack Bagley Community Park in Nanoose Bay.
With this funding, the Regional District will develop new pickleball and tennis courts, a new event space and picnic shelter, and several accessibility enhancements. The project will support community engagement, encourage sport tourism in the region, and create a hub for outdoor recreation programming.
For the full list of projects, please see the backgrounder.
The CCRF and TRF programs both launched in the summer of 2021. The CCRF provides $500 million over two years to Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in projects that build and improve community infrastructure, making public spaces safer, greener and more accessible.
The TRF provides $500 million over two years to RDAs and Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to support tourism businesses and organizations with adapting their operations to meet public health requirements, while investing in products and services to facilitate future growth.
